Neighborhood Notes

Dance has always been a part of Kari Neigebauer’s life. She danced during childhood and even studied dance in college. After graduating with her BS in Dance from the University of Oregon, Kari sustained an injury to her back which ended her dance career.

She took a job as a chiropractic assistant and began studying pilates as a method to heal her back. The study of movement and its rehabilitation led Kari on a new path. In 2000, she moved to New York City and studied classical pilates with Romana Kryznowski, the closest living student of Joseph Pilates. She became a certified pilates instructor in 2001. During this time, Kari also discovered Gyrotonics and studied under Julio Horvath, the inventor of the patented GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM and received her Gyrotonic® Certification.

After working in a New York City studio for several years, Kari moved to Portland and worked in a local studio for three more years.

A self-described “Pilates bum,” Kari spent most of her income on her passion. A year ago, she didn’t own a car or even a computer . Her friends jokingly described her as “Amish without good intentions.” It was about that same time that Kari realized there were no fully equipped studios in Portland that offered both pilates and gyrotonics. She talked it over with her family and she decided to open her own studio. Through years of training and gaining experience, it became clear to Kari’s family that her passion had become her career and they offered to help make her ambition a reality.

Circle Studio is truly a family affair. Kari’s parents are both small business owners and they helped her choose the space, negotiate the lease and even build out the space. She is really grateful for their support and enjoys being in a space with so much connection to her family.

Kari didn’t open her business unprepared. She had an established clientele that filled a 32 hour work week as soon as she opened her doors in July. As a result, she has added three certified teachers to her staff.

She giggles when she thinks about where she was a year ago—no car or computer—”now I have two computers!” Being a business owner and suddenly being immersed in the world of technology has increased her learning curve, but Kari is breathing slowly and enjoying it.

If you’re interested in classes, there are individual and group classes available at individual and package rates. On Saturdays, Kari offers a gyro-kinesis group class for only $15. For more about the studio, classes and staff, visit the website or call 503.235.3556.

Circle Studio
1231 NW 11th Ave (in the Sitka)
8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday.